BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS AND

KNOWLEDGE

I.Understanding the Basics of Computer Hardware

COMPUTER HARWARE
• INTERNAL HARDWARE -
(COMPONENTS)
Internal components
collectively process or store the
instructions delivered by the
program or operating system
(OS).
• MOTHERBOARD-This is a
printed circuit board that holds
the central processing unit (CPU)
and other essential internal
hardware and functions as the
central hub that all other
hardware components run
through.
• CPU. The CPU is the brain of the
computer that processes and executes
digital instructions from various
programs; its clock speed determines
the computer's performance and
efficiency in processing data.
• RAM. -- or dynamic RAM --
is temporary memory storage
that makes information
immediately accessible to
programs; RAM is volatile
memory, so stored data is
cleared when the computer
powers off.
• Hard drive. Hard disk drives are physical
storage devices that store both permanent
and temporary data in different formats,
including programs, OSes, device files,
photos, etc.
• Solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are solid-
state storage devices based on NAND
flash memory technology; SSDs are non-
volatile, so they can safely store data
even when the computer is powered
down.
• Optical drive. Optical drives typically reside in an
on-device drive bay; they enable the computer to
read and interact with nonmagnetic external media,
such as compact disc read-only memory or digital
video discs.
• Heat sink. This is a passive piece of hardware that
draws heat away from components to
regulate/reduce their temperature to help ensure
they continue to function properly. Typically, a heat
sink is installed directly atop the CPU, which
produces the most heat among internal components.
• Graphics processing unit. This chip-based
device processes graphical data and often
functions as an extension to the main
CPU.
• Network interface card (NIC). A NIC is a circuit
board or chip that enables the computer to
connect to a network; also known as a network
adapter or local area network adapter, it
typically supports connection to an Ethernet
network.
COMPUTER HARWARE
• EXTERNAL
COMPONENTS(PERIPHERALS)-are
those items that are often externally
connected to the computer to control
either input or output functions. These
hardware devices are designed to either
provide instructions to the software
(input) or render results from its
execution (output).
• Mouse. A mouse is a hand-held pointing
device that moves a cursor around a
computer screen and enables interaction
with objects on the screen. It may be wired
or wireless.
• Keyboard. A keyboard is an input device
featuring a standard QWERTY keyset that
enables users to input text, numbers or
special characters.
• Microphone. A microphone is a device that • Camera. A camera captures visual
translates sound waves into electrical images and streams them to the
signals and supports computer-based audio computer or through a computer to a
communications. network device.
• Touchpad. A touchpad is an input device, external • USB flash drive. A USB flash drive is an external,
or built into a laptop, used to control the pointer on removable storage device that uses flash memory
a display screen. It is typically an alternative to an and interfaces with a computer through a USB
external mouse. port.
• Memory card. A memory card is a type of • Other input hardware components
portable external storage media, such as a include joysticks, styluses and
CompactFlash card, used to store media or scanners.
data files.
 OUTPUT HARDWARE COMPONENTS
• Monitor. A monitor is an output device similar to a • Printer. Printers render electronic data from
TV screen that displays information, documents or a computer into printed material.
images generated by the computing device.
• Speaker. A speaker is an external audio • Headphones, earphones, earbuds. Similar
output device that connects to a computer to speakers, these devices provide audio
to generate a sound output. output that's audible only to a single
listener.
5 Basic Computer Operations
• Input - Feed Data into the Computer
• Processing- The computer Crunches the data
• Storage - Save data into a storage media
• Output - Display result or perform an action after processing
• Control - The coordination between operations. For example,
reading an image from a flash drive (input), then displaying it
on the monitor (processing and output).
Computers are complicated. But when represented in layman’s terms, it
almost always looks like this:
• Computers consist of hardware
components such as the central
processing unit (CPU), memory,
storage devices, input/output
devices, and peripherals, as well
as software components such as
the operating system and
applications.
Data and Information:
• It is the term used for raw facts and figures fed into
the computer and along with the set of instructions
which enables the computer to convert this raw data
into the refined and useful information.
• Data can take many forms, such as numbers, words,
images, or sounds. For example, a list of sales
figures for a company is data. However, this data by
itself does not provide any useful information. It
needs to be processed and analyzed to be turned into
information that can be used for decision-making.
Classification of Computers:
• Computers can be classified
based on the technology being
used and the way they are
designed to perform the various
tasks. Computers can be
categorized into Digital, Analog
and Hybrid based on their design
and working:
 • Digital Computers : These are the modern
• Analog Computers : These computers which are capable of processing
computers are used to process data information in discrete form. In digital
technology data which can be in the form of
generated by ongoing physical letters, symbols or numbers is represented in
processes. binary form i.e. 0s and 1s.
• Hybrid Computers : These use both analog and digital
technology. It has the speed of analog computer and the
accuracy of a digital computer. It may accept digital or
analog signals but an extensive conversion of data from
digital to analog and analog to digital has to be done.
• Supercomputers: These are the most powerful and
expensive computers that are used for complex
scientific calculations, simulations, and research. They
are used in fields such as weather forecasting,
cryptography, and nuclear research.
• Mainframe Computers: These are large and powerful computers that are used by large organizations such as banks, airlines, and
government agencies to process massive amounts of data and handle multiple users simultaneously.

• Mini Computers: These are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computers, but they are still capable of handling multiple users and
processing large amounts of data. They are commonly used by small to medium-sized businesses for accounting, inventory management,
and other data-intensive tasks.

• Personal Computers: These are small and affordable computers that are designed for individual users. They are commonly used for
personal productivity, entertainment, and communication.

• Workstations: These are high-performance computers that are used by professionals such as architects, engineers, and designers to run
complex software applications for tasks such as 3D modeling, animation, and scientific visualization.

• Embedded Systems: These are specialized computers that are built into other devices such as cars, appliances, and medical equipment to
control their operations and perform specific functions.

• Mobile Devices: These are small and portable computers that are designed for on-the-go use, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops